Fine Detail Resolution
High-Precision 3D-Printing
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is an industrial 3D printing process for the additive manufacturing of robust, functional plastic components. SLS uses a laser to fuse finely distributed plastic powder layer by layer—without support structures—to produce complex, resilient parts.
Fine Detail Resolution (FDR) is an innovative advancement of SLS technology that uses a particularly fine laser beam to achieve significantly higher detail resolutions and finer structures than is possible with conventional SLS.
How does SLS‑FDR work?
- In selective laser sintering (SLS), plastic powder—usually polyamide (e.g., EOS PA 1101)—is selectively fused by a laser in a layer thickness of ~40 µm.
- Fine Detail Resolution (FDR) uses an ultra-fine laser beam that is about half the size of those used in conventional SLS systems. This results in ultra-fine details, very smooth surfaces, and minimal wall thicknesses (from approx. 0.22 mm) in components.
- FDR combines the detail accuracy of stereolithography (SLA) with the robustness and production speed of SLS.
Advantages of SLS‑FDR Technology
- High detail resolution and precision: Ultra-fine structures and sharp edges – even for tiny components measuring approx. 5 mm or less
- Smooth surfaces: Reduced post-processing effort thanks to optimized laser guidance
- Stable, functional components: Manufactured from PA11 materials with good flexibility and high temperature and chemical resistance
- Sustainable material solution: 1zu1scale uses PA1101 ClimateNeutral material – a bio-based PA11 with a significantly reduced carbon footprint
- Transparency & responsibility: The ClimateNeutral 2024 certificate of participation can be viewed here
- Efficient manufacturing: Economical for prototypes and small to medium quantities (e.g., 1–1,000 parts)
- No support structures required: A typical feature of the SLS process, reducing material consumption and process effort
Typical Applications
FDR-optimized SLS technology is particularly suitable for:
- Miniaturized components with fine details
- Delicate structures, screens, channels, or microcomponents
- Electronic components and sensor housings
- Fluid guides and filter units
- Prototypes, functional parts, and small series
- Parts with high tolerance and surface requirements
Key Technical Data
- Layer thickness: approx. 40 µm
- Min. wall thickness: from ~0.22 mm
- Detail resolution: up to approx. ±40 µm
- Materials: PA 1101 ClimateNeutral
- Component sizes: ~5 mm to ~40 mm (small format)
- Application: Prototypes + small series
FAQs – Selective Laser Sintering FDR
SLS is an additive manufacturing process in which a laser fuses plastic powder layer by layer to produce robust, functional components without support structures.
FDR is an advancement of SLS that uses an ultra-fine laser beam to achieve significantly higher detail resolution, finer wall thicknesses, and smoother surfaces than conventional SLS systems.
FDR achieves up to twice the detail quality, enables thinner walls, and reduces post-processing effort thanks to smoother surfaces—while maintaining the same robustness and production speed.
Mainly flexible and resistant polyamide materials such as PA 1101, which offer high toughness, temperature and chemical resistance.
Ideal for sensitive, small, and complex components, functional prototypes, medical components, electronics housings, or other parts with high tolerance and detail requirements.